Ian's stripped sweater.

I'm really happy with the the way this sweater turned out. I had to use needles a size larger than the pattern called for so its a bit stretchy. Its a bit big for Ian just yet. It made it 9-12 months. The neck line is bigger than I thought it would be but I think it will look better when the sweater fits him on the whole. Its so soft and the blue is so bright and warm. I'm so proud of all my seams. I find a sight called Knitting Help. It has lots of videos showing how to different techniques. So this is my first kniiting projects with such great seams.
I've just found this great website in the last few days called Ravelry This is a community that shares patterns, projects, yarn. You can find out info on all kinds of yarn. I haven't yet explored all of its possibilities. Crocheters and Knitters alike will really enjoy this site. Take a look. Lots of free patterns!

Domestic Bliss

I had bought a turkey awhile back because it was a good price. Since, I have not had the time or will to cook it, but today I finally did it. First I roasted it. I boiled the neck, liver and heart with carrot, celery and onion for Ian. I didn't puree the heart or the liver for him but I'm hoping all their goodness got into the veggies the neck meat and the broth. Then I took all the meat off the turkey and put it into a pan to rewarm later for supper. I put some pan drippings in the bottom of the pan to keep it moist. Then I made my broth with the carcass. We definitely didn't eat enough turkey at supper. Lots of leftovers. I'm going to make soup for supper tomorrow with my broth and extra meat. There is a lot of broth so I think I'll give some soup to someone. I'll make a double batch. We can use some of the turkey for lunch meat. I'll freeze some for a cassarole later. I"m not great at remembering to use frozen leftovers. I also have a hard time thinking of ways to use cooked meat. I'm hoping you can use it the way you would meat with less cooking time. I was going to make a lentil casserole this week. You'll find the recipie at my girlfriend's blog on the Jan. 19th entry. I made it a couple weeks ago and everyone liked it. I added some cut up boneless chicken thighs, but I wonder if I could put some cut up turkey?


I thought I would add a picture of the yarn I'm using to knit Ian's sweater. I rolled it all into balls this afternoon. 50g skeins don't take any time at all to ball. I'm used to larger skeins that seem to take a long time to get into a ball.
I put some puff wheat on Ian's tray today and he picked it up and ate it. He loves eating. I actually think he must be having a growth spurt because he's nursing consistently every 3 hours or sooner.

Elijah's sweater

So after i knit Grace's sweater I had to make one for Elijah. So here it is. I used one of his monster drawing as a template for the picture I stitched on the front. I think he really likes it. It is a bit of a heavy sweater. It may be good for the spring, when that's all you need to wear outside.

I also made him a hat. I got the idea for the rim off Etsy . I made a pink one for Grace but she seems to have misplaced it already. Very sad. I'm sure I'll find it somewhere and then I'll post a picture of it. I think it made it a bit deep.
My next project is a sweater for Ian. In Regina I bought some beautiful pima cotton, Merino wool mixed yarn. I'm planning on using a Debbie Bliss pattern.
All this knitting has really dug into my reading time. Not really getting any done. Its hard to knit and read. So I'm still not done "Shake hands with the Devil." Its pretty depressing, and very long. I try to read a few pages while I'm nursing. Ian doesn't take too long though so I only get a couple pages read at a time.
We have been watching a whole lot of Olympics. The TV is on alot. Its a bit addictive. I'm getting tired of hearing CTV say, we have a great chance on getting a medal and then we get 4th or 5th. I wish they would stop jinxing us like that.

The kids are all having fun crafting this morning. Ian is watching his siblings with awe and amazement. It makes a big difference now that he can sit all by himself. He'll sit long periods of time just playing with his toys or watching the older two.

A Saturday with the kids

Jon is gone to Yorton for today and tomorrow. He is playing in a mens tournament.
For the most part my day with the kids went smoothly. We went into town in the morning. I wanted to get a few things at Walmart. I'll have to return a few. I definitly bought the wrong colour yarn for Elijah's sweater. It looked redish-orange in the store but when i got it home it was more pick than anything. So that won't work. I remembered to buy diapers for Grace and Ian. Surprising.
I'm reading a book called "Grace based parenting" I'm only a little ways in but he's talked about loving your kids for who God made them. I was reminded of this today when Elijah was begging and pleading for me to arrange a play date for him with one of his friends. I find this very difficult. #1 I don't want to bother other families. #2 I don't want to and often can't leave the house to take him somewhere. #3 I didn't want even more of a mess in the house from having another 5 year old to help my two take every toy out. Not today. I was getting very frustrated by his pleading and need to be with other people. I think I can say no to him and he needs to except that decision but I also think I don't want him to get the impression that there is something wrong with him for wanting to be with people all the time. I also don't want to give him the impression that he is an annoyance to me. This is very difficult. To not allow my frustration with the situation to dictate the way I treat him and talk with him about it. Lord give me wisdom.
I'm going to attempt to go to church tomorrow by myself and the kids. I may have to send the two older ones to children's church on their own if Ian is sleeping. I can't just leave him there in the pew and I won't want to carry the car seat all the way to the classroom. I talked with Cristy tonight and asked if I could sit near her. Then she could watch the Ian when I take the kids.
Anyways, off to bed for me. Never know what Ian's night will be like.
much love
amie

from bum to top...

I knit this diaper cover for Ian last summer while I was still pregnant. Very easy pattern, and you can add legs if you want. I bought the pattern online from Green Way Babywear You can buy them already made or get the pattern to make it yourself. You need 100% wool. Try to find a soft kind like, merino wool. I bought just plain wool but it is processed gently without a lot of cemicals so its pretty soft. Its called Custom Woolen Mills ltd. Make sure its not superwash because you need all the natural lanolin and a bit of felting. If you are interested in learning how to help make your woolies even more waterproof just ask and I'll send you the instructions. I really like them. They are not bulky, and keep baby dry. We live in a cold place but I've read from moms who live in hot places that it keeps their babies cool and dry. The miracles God created for us!


So I finished the sweater for Grace. I took it apart a few time before I settled on what it was going to look like. I used some wool I already had in the house. Unfortunately it was 100% wool and not a very soft variety. So she's complaining that its itchy. Poop! I had her wear it with a long sleeve shirt on underneath. This seems to appeased her somewhat. Elijah wants one now, but I'm not going to go to all that work just for him to complain its itchy too. So I may just go to Walmart and buy some cheap yarn.

Crochet

So I've decided to learn how to crochet. I found this great book at the library the other day. Yes, its for kids.
I chose to make this sweater for Grace. I think it will be good.
I've had trouble getting my tension right. The bottom of my first piece is looser than the top. I might have to take it all out and try again. I might as well do it right.
Elijah told me he wants one next and then I think I'll knit something for Ian. I want to go into Regina to Natural Fibers ( I think that's what its called) and get some nice wool for Ian's project. I got some Bebbie Bliss Knitting books at the library too. I love her patterns.
I would really like to start a knitting/crochet club but don't know who would be interested in such a thing. Its hard when we don't have a good wool shop near by. Regina is a bit far for people to go to get wool. Walmart stuff isn't interesting and their selection is bad.
Jon and I were going to go away for a weekend together this coming weekend, but it doesn't look like its going to happen now. So maybe I can convince him to take me into Regina to get the wool. Normally this would not be a good enough reason to go but under the circumstances I think he owes me one!